Two patients who were deeply unconscious (GCS = 4) following head injuries, sustained whilst intoxicated with alcohol, became hypothermic due to cold exposure. Despite negative prognostic factors both underwent craniotomy and evacuation of large acute subdural haematoma. After intensive postoperative management and rehabilitation both have made satisfactory recoveries. The contribution of hypothermia to their unpredicted favourable outcome is discussed, and the importance of recording temperature in head-injured patients is emphasized.